Risky Venture?

[AGM1]

Hi,

I have a 60Lx18Dx24H tank that im running as freshwater but im really interested in turning it into a reef tank. It is an acrylic Truvue Aquasystem, which means it has an integrated sump that is the shape of half a hexagon that protrudes from the back wall into the tank.

So, I have two options:

1. add hang on equipment

2. Drill the tank to add a proper sump

My main question is: would it be risky to drill the tank? It is about 7 years old, and actually I wanted to drill two areas. Whats the chance of these going wrong? Will the acrylic shatter, etc?

I would rather have a proper sump because of all the benefits, but I just dont know about the risk of damaging the tank. Any insight would help.

Thank you

 

[lordofthereef]

I don't feel it would be too risky to drill your tank. I think drilling acrylic is much easier than glass as far as the risks of it breaking are concerned.

 

[ludnix]

With acrylic it's important that you keep the blade cool otherwise it can melt or cause hazing, but you have almost no risk of shattering compared to glass.

I would do a google search for drilling acrylic, I have run across several articles explaining the proper method to prevent any damage to the acrylic and it sounded fairly easy.

 

[overklok]

I used a glass hole cutting bit to cut my acrylic tank. Worked like a champ.

 

[moneytimetycoon]

Can you run an overflow box off the #1 overflow chamber? Or even use the chamber to draw water from with a "U" pipe and syphon? You can return it back into the #2 chamber and pump out of the third.

I have a Aquasystem 40. I have a HOB skimmer and LR in the #1 chamber with a fuge set up in the second and return pump in the third. Maybe you can mod a skimmer to fit in so you dont have to drill or run a separate fuge.

 

[AGM1]

How well does your system run with HOB equipment? I thought of soing that at first, but I then I thought that having a true sump would allow for more livestock. Although, it would be somewhat complicated to add that with all of the drilling and such

 

[chuckreef]

I've drilled both my Tru Vu 100 (four holes) and my Tru Vu 240 (8 holes) using an inexpensive hole saw with no problems. It will not shatter, no risk there unless you don't keep the bit/saw wet. Have someone apply water with a spray bottle while you drill. If you don't it will possibly get hot and seize in the hole, when that happens it can cause the drill to torque sideways and the sideways force could cuase a crack (but not a shatter).

Mainly go slow (on the drill), apply water, don't push very hard (let the cutting tool do the cutting) and its just like working on wood.

 

[reidcrandall]

You will probably be happier with it in the long run if you drill it.

I've drilled acrylic before, and I would probably not do glass. It's easy if you have a sharp hole saw. Just keep it cool by running a hose over it, and go really slow. Be patient and you will be fine.

 

[blrrobinson21]

I would go ahead and drill it. Im running HOB items right now but would like it better if it was drilled. Go ahead and do it, a lot of people hear have had success drilling there tanks.

 

[Soultwater]

Hi,

2. Drill the tank to add a proper sump

vote #2 drill it baby!!

I ran the HOB u tube box for several years and you can get air in the U tube and block some or all flow to the sump. Several ways around the U tube problem if you do go that way but DUDE YOU HAVE AN ACRYLIC TANK JUST DRILL IT..
and i mean DUDE in the non gender way incase ur a chick:artist: